R11S brake modifications?

throttlemeister · throttlemeister's Garage

OK, I am getting annoyed with the brakes on my twin-spark 11. I am used to more feel and control in my brakes, and I am not getting it from my R11S. I have tried half a dozen different pads, from original to numerous different aftermarket brands. The best are still my usual favorite, the DP ones. But I am still missing initial bite and control.

I have thought of buying a set of R12S controls and making them work on the R11S, thinking the difference is in the master cylinder, but having checked the parts fiche both use the same size master (16mm)

Everybody seems to say the R12S brakes are better than the R11S, but the twin-spark R11S uses the same discs, the same calipers, same pads and the same size master. Ergo, they should behave the same.

Mind you, I have no complaints about raw brake power. I have no problem getting the rear airborne when braking hard. It is just that initial bite is inconsistent, which makes it hard to control and feel what is going on. Consistency is GOOD when it comes to brakes.

I already have different discs and steel braided lines, and as said tried numerous different pads, but I can't seem to get it to work consistent. Looking at the master diameter, 16mm seems a bit on the small side. It seems most manufacturers opt for 17.5mm or even 19mm for their masters for 4-piston calipers. Could this be the way to go? Or should I look in a different direction?

Hoping for the collective wisdom of the forums to get this sorted.

SergioK · 03-03-2009, 01:31 PM

I forgot, do you have Motoyoyo's triple clamps on your bike?

throttlemeister · throttlemeister's Garage

Bad questions. Bad, bad, bad!

Seriously, we still don't have gotten them as they are still not ready. But there is good hope we will get them real soon now.

But the answer the question: no (not yet)

SergioK · 03-03-2009, 01:37 PM

I suggest you table the 'initial bite and control' braking issue until that time. You may find that they take care of the problem.

And please... accept my sincere apologies.

throttlemeister · throttlemeister's Garage

Kewl, thanks

Will hold out, though I have no idea when I will have time to put them on once they finally arrive.

Kieran R1100S · 03-04-2009, 12:03 AM

TM, I had two, R1100S's twin spark dual braking servo assit braking bikes and found there brakes to be superior over my current R1200S. The brake system on the R1100S is in to stages. Fluid in the master cylinder and in the servo as well. When changing brake fluid, fluid from the servo can escape if the change is not done properly. If that occurs, and it can, you would get what you are experiencing. There is a wheel circuit and a hand circuit. Both need a constant supply of fluid a lot to bleed the system properly. Unless you or the Mechanic that has changed your brake fluid understands the system chance would be that's your problem.

throttlemeister · throttlemeister's Garage

Unfortunately, I have a non-ABS bike. I would have loved the power assisted brakes, but you don't always have a choice when buying second hand.

signit98 · 03-04-2009, 05:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by throttlemeister

Unfortunately, I have a non-ABS bike. I would have loved the power assisted brakes, but you don't always have a choice when buying second hand.

Look at different options for the Master, Gijs... Nate's bikes are all changed over to a slightly bigger Brembo Master cylinder... seems to work for him!

I don't have/had any issues but then, I rarely set myself up for hard braking, I usually like to have the corner entry speed set before I get into it....

throttlemeister · throttlemeister's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by signit98

Look at different options for the Master, Gijs... Nate's bikes are all changed over to a slightly bigger Brembo Master cylinder... seems to work for him!

I don't have/had any issues but then, I rarely set myself up for hard braking, I usually like to have the corner entry speed set before I get into it....

I do too... that's why I use my brakes.

I am starting to think it is related to the short lever of the 11. The way the 11 controls are made, the hinge of the lever is right next to your index finger. This means that if you grap the lever a few mm left or right makes a huge difference in leverage.

Most bikes have a seperate brake assembly, with the hinge of the lever left of the switch gear. This makes for a longer lever at your fingers, and different placement of your fingers on the lever makes less difference the further your fingers are away from the hinge.

Thoughts?